0
0
Osamaye: Group Intervenes Over Alleged Assault Urges Due Process
Organisations under the umbrella of Concerned Stakeholders for Women Development in Ondo State have rallied behind the Ondo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Seun Osamaye, calling for calm, restraint and strict adherence to due process following a court order directing her arrest over an alleged altercation with a magistrate.
The group warned that sensationalising the matter could undermine public confidence in the judiciary and cast an unnecessary shadow on the Ondo State Government, insisting that the issue should be resolved strictly within legal channels.
Speaking with journalists in Akure on Wednesday, the Coordinator of the group, Mr. Adekunle Falade described the controversy as an unfortunate development that should not be allowed to snowball into a crisis.
“This matter should not be turned into a media trial or public spectacle. Allegations remain allegations until proven by a court of competent jurisdiction. All parties must exercise restraint and allow justice to take its natural course,” Falade said.
The stakeholders, a coalition of women advocates, community leaders, and development-oriented organisations, noted that Mrs. Osamaye has, since assuming office, distinguished herself through programs focused on the protection of vulnerable women and children, gender inclusion, and improved social welfare across the state.
They cautioned against hasty conclusions capable of distracting the Ministry of Women Affairs from its core mandate and ongoing interventions.
The group’s intervention came amid reports that a Magistrate Court sitting in Akure ordered the arrest and remand of the commissioner over allegations of assault involving Chief Magistrate Temitope Alphonso
Court documents alleged that the incident occurred at the Ministry of Women Affairs during an official engagement involving the magistrate and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary.
An affidavit attached to the charge further claimed that the disagreement was linked to a judgment earlier delivered by the magistrate, which was allegedly unfavorable to the commissioner.
At the hearing, the commissioner was absent, with her counsel, Barrister Adewusi, informing the court that she was receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Ilara-Mokin.
He requested a brief adjournment to allow the defense to present proof of her hospitalisation.
Although a medical report was later submitted, the prosecution challenged its credibility, prompting the court to describe the document as unsatisfactory and lacking essential details.
The magistrate subsequently ordered the arrest and remand of the commissioner and adjourned the case until January 12 for further hearing.
Reacting to the development, the stakeholders stressed that legal disagreements must be resolved through established judicial processes, not through public accusations capable of inflaming tensions.
“Dragging the judiciary, the executive and individuals through the media will not serve justice or development. Ondo State needs peace, stability, and focus, not avoidable controversy,” the group stated
They further appealed to all parties to embrace dialogue, mutual respect, and the rule of law, urging members of the public to avoid speculation and inflammatory commentary.
“This matter is before the court and should be treated with the seriousness and decorum it deserves. The truth will emerge through due process,” the statement added.
About The Author
